SOLAR CLOSING

New Mexico solar firm suspends 1 production line
August 6, 2010 (AP via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

"Schott Solar is suspending one of its two concentrated solar power production lines in Albuquerque.

"Schott says the suspension [said to be due to slow growth in the North American market and a slowdown in the Spanish market] will mean laying off about 30 temporary agency employees…Schott had 370 employees in Albuquerque before the announced layoffs."

The subtext to this story could be that the U.S. won't pass policy supporting solar power plant growth and big money in Europe is backing solar power plants in North Africa and new trans-Mediterranean transmission so Schott is going where the action is. (click to enlarge)

"Schott produces photovoltaic panels and thermal receivers at its 200,000-square-foot Albuquerque plant, its flagship facility in North America.

"The concentrated solar power modules or thermal receivers are used in large-scale solar power plant trough systems…Schott's production of photovoltaic modules is not affected…Mainz, Germany-based Schott AG opened the Albuquerque plant last year."